Arlene was a loving mother, wife, sister, and friend. Arlene passed away on September 10, 2024 at the age of 72. She was born on November 11, 1951 to Lyle and Myrtle Knudson in Scobey, MT. Five more siblings joined the Knudson clan before they moved to Wolf Point, MT in 1960.
She attended high school in Wolf Point, graduating with the class of 1969. After graduation she attended Northern Montana College in Havre, MT. She returned home when her mother was terminally ill with cancer to help her family. At the age of 21, her mother died and she put her life on hold to help care for her younger siblings. She would never admit it or agree with them, but she was instrumental in getting them through a great deal of hardship that came from life without their mother.
Arlene married the love her life, Jerry Neumiller, in March of 1982. To this union they welcomed two beautiful daughters, Laura and Sarah. Arlene loved her family dearly. Her passion for baking and cooking touched all who knew her. There was much love and thought put into every meal, every birthday party dinner, and every holiday celebration.
Arlene and Jerry owned the Sears store from 1987 until it’s closing in 1992.
Arlene and Jerry owned and operated the Little Buggers Daycare for 28 years, retiring in 2020. If you were fortunate enough to be a part of the Little Bugger family, you know how special Arlene was. Earlier Little Buggers had the annual lemonade stand, the outdoor “Olympics” that were held with races and games where everyone took home a medal. Whether it was craft time, snack time, movies at quiet time, rushing from school for some of those amazing homemade afterschool snacks, or enjoying the fabulous lunch spread, you always knew Arlene was planning something fun or preparing a feast!
Daycare babies, if you only knew all the special memories that she discussed and fondly reflected on frequently, she truly loved you!
Becoming a grandma was one of the happiest moments of her life, and her three grandchildren gave her immense joy.
Arlene was preceded in death by her father, Lyle, her mother, Myrtle, Brothers, Ron and Steve, and Sister-in-law, Jean. She is survived by her husband and love of her life, Jerry, daughters Laura (Ryan) Wall of Wolf Point and Sarah (Jesse) Baldwin of Havre. Her beloved grandchildren, Kyran and Nadia Wall, Atley Baldwin. Sisters, Debra (Rick) Davies and Shari (Terry) Ekwortzel, and Brother, Reed (Tammy) Knudson. She is survived by several special cousins, nephews and nieces. She is also survived by her Little Bugger daycare families that hold a special place in her heart.
A special thanks goes to Son-in-Law Ryan Wall, who provided so much support to Arlene, especially over the past few years. We see you and we appreciate you always being there. We are forever grateful.
She was a wonderful wife, mother, and sister who was always there when we needed her the most, offering support, wisdom, and love in abundance. Part of our heart left with you that day, we love and miss you so much. We cherish the time we had with you and the memories we made with you. Love you more!
Celebration of life will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 28, 2024 at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wolf Point, MT. Cremation has taken place. Inurnment at the Greenwood Cemetery will be at a later date.